Kobe Bryant missed the Lakers' shootaround Friday before their game against Sacramento, but it could be marked down as an excused absence.
The shooting guard had a checkup appointment with neurologist Vern Williams, who had cleared Bryant to play against Minnesota on Wednesday after Bryant had suffered a concussion and neck trauma in last weekend's All-Star game.
"He's fine. He's improving," Lakers Coach Mike Brown said of Bryant, who had 31 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Timberwolves while wearing a protective mask.
Bryant also sat out practice Thursday, but Brown said he could not predict how much Bryant's issues would limit him going forward.
"I would be speculating if I gave you a date or a time frame," Brown said.
Brown said he was unsure if Bryant would wear the mask against the Kings.
-- Ben Bolch
